She decided to go on reading as if nothing had happened.
The same thing occurred the next day.
And the day after that.
As Brigitte was reading, Yuri would appear and silently begin reading his own books. Or sometimes, she would arrive quietly after he was already there. She always sat in the same place, and his regular seat appeared to be two rows ahead of hers. He paid no attention to her. She didn’t even know if he noticed her. After so many years where attention from others meant mockery would soon follow, this was a relief.
One day, however, the routine changed.
“Oh!”
“…”
Brigitte reached out for a book and accidentally touched Yuri’s hand. Their fingertips brushed, and their eyes met.
I’ve read about such things in romance novels…
Her heart was beating a tiny bit faster than usual. Up close, his deep yellow eyes shone like citrine. She could see herself reflected in them, mouth agape…
Before she could think, she was speaking.
“…Would you mind moving your hand? I got here first.”
A few seconds after making this brusque request, she felt the blood drain from her face.
Now I’ve d-done it…!
It was true that old habits were hard to break…but that was an incredibly rude thing to say to a duke’s son. Still, his expression remained blank.
“…You want to read this, too?” he asked flatly.
Brigitte blinked at this unexpected question. She had heard he was cold and cruel, but if he didn’t blame her for talking to him like that, did that mean he was also forgiving?
“Um, yes, I do.”
“Oh.”
In the instant when her guard was down, his hand shot out and snatched the book from the shelf.
“Ah!”
She didn’t even have time to protest. Without a backward glance, he returned to his usual seat and began reading as if nothing was amiss. All Brigitte could do was reel from shock.
…What just happened?!
Who talked to people to distract them, then mercilessly stole their book? What an outrageous thing for a high-class noble to do! Even as she fumed, however, she had to admit that she had been equally rude.
Grumbling resentfully, she chose another book and returned to her seat. She set it upright on the long desk and glared furtively over the top… Yuri was coolly flipping the pages of his book, chin in hand.
Disgusted, she attempted to concentrate on her own reading.
…Perhaps it was only natural that her irritation grew stronger instead, until she found it impossible to focus.
Perhaps I’ll just check this one out and leave…
She sighed, just as a shadow fell over her head. Puzzled, she looked up.
“Hey.”
“…Ah?!”
Yuri was standing next to her. Brigitte stiffened.
What’s he about to do? Hit me?!
As she tensed defensively, he held something out, and her gaze fell to the book they had both wanted. A beautiful wind spirit engraved on the old leather cover smiled up at her.
“I’ve already memorized what I need from this.”
When the meaning of his words registered, she could find no words to reply. He was genuinely saying he didn’t want it anymore.
Could that be why he took it in the first place…?
Maybe it was wishful thinking on her part. But maybe he was kinder than the rumors made him out to be, after all. She felt more confused than ever.
He said he memorized it…but it’s hundreds of pages!
“Th-thank y—”
“You know about this book?” he asked, arms crossed as he interrupted her awkward thank-you.
She nodded vaguely, absorbed by his appearance.
“Huh? Oh, I suppose—”
“That’s a surprise.”
Click.
Instantly, an awful sound echoed in her head.
He’s making fun of me.
She couldn’t keep quiet if that was the case. In the past, she’d always responded to any insult with a haughty laugh. But she didn’t want to be that person anymore. She stood quietly and pointed to the book’s cover.
“This is an original copy of The Wind Laughs, I believe.”
“It is. And?”
So what? he was saying.
She spoke a bit louder to avoid being overwhelmed. “The author of The Wind Laughs is the late Lien Baluanuki, a well-known scholar of spirits. Although Lien himself contracted with a third-class spirit, he became close with the sylphide a friend had contracted with and is rumored to have spoken frequently with her.”
“…”
“This book is said to be based on what the sylphide told him about the spirit world. It became famous overnight for its unique depiction of subjects beyond human knowledge and because it was written in spirit language. Translators vary greatly in their interpretations, but the consensus is that it is a book of many mysteries to which no conclusive answer has yet been found.
“Based on the fact that the sylphide taught Lien her language, some scholars have argued that the two were lovers, or else as close as family. Some call the book Lien’s love letter to the spirits. As a reader, however, I prefer not to cheapen their relationship with such descriptions.”
After reeling off her explanation, Brigitte noticed a hint of surprise on Yuri’s face.
“Are you really the Earl of Meidell’s daughter?”
“I am. I should have introduced myself sooner. My name is Brigitte Meidell.”
Pleased at having outwitted him, she dipped her head elegantly.
Yuri rested his hand on his chin in thought. After a few moments of silence, she began to wonder what he was going to say.
“…How strange. I heard the Third Prince’s fiancée was a stupid, out-of-control terror.”
“Wh—?”
“Oh, excuse me. Now that you’re no longer engaged, I should have said a stupid, ordinary redhead.”
“Wha-wha-wha-what?”
Brigitte flushed bright red at this outrageous insult.
How dare he say that to my face!
The terrifying thing was, he was saying it so calmly that she didn’t sense any malice. She squeezed her fists under the desk. What a ludicrous person this Yuri Aurealis was!
“Um, excuse me, but would you mind keeping your voice down in the library?”
Just then, a female librarian approached them fearfully. Brigitte had heard that many of the library staff were commoners. She could imagine how frightening it must be to approach such a universally hated pair as Yuri and herself. She felt guilty, but Yuri just glanced at the librarian and said, “Sorry. I’ll make sure to remind her to keep quiet.”
Hey, don’t blame this on me!
It was Yuri’s fault that she’d raised her voice, and he was the one who had started talking to her in the first place. He was in the wrong, but he was acting as if she had annoyed him.